Volvo takes it to the limit
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by John Kendall • Volvo has announced an 8x4 FL7/10 tipper chassis with a 6.47m outer axle spread which is ready for 32-tonne GVW operation when fitted with road friendly suspension.
Volvo's double-drive bogie on air suspension, B-ride bogie or the new T-ride bogie all meet the road-friendly requirements. The maximum GVW is calculated by allowing a 5,000kg load for every metre of outer axle spread, rounded up to the nearest 10kg. The ELIO doubledrive bogie with air suspension 6x4 and 8x4 chassis will be available from January.
The T-ride bogie has a reduced axle spread from 1,510mm to 1,370mm. As the axle spread exceeds 1.3m, the bogie satisfies the new Construction and Use Regulations for plating at 19 tonnes. Volvo could have reduced the bogie spread further, but as the existing B-ride bogie spread was 1,370mm, components were already available.
The new chassis means Volvo now offers six and eight-wheeled chassis suitable for operation at 26 tonnes and 32 tonnes respectively: 26-tonne six-wheelers can be ordered with an 8.0tonne front axle instead of the standard 7.5-tonne axle, which will give a 1,000kg loading tolerance on the chassis instead of 500kg. The 26 and 32-tonne chassis will automatically qualify for drawbar operation at up to 35 tonnes GTW.
Volvo is advising existing FL7 and 10 eight-wheeler operators wishing to take advantage of the new 32 tonne GVW to check axle design weights and tyre ratings before making the change. Not only do they face a £1,000 increase in Vehicle Excise Duty, but existing T-ride bogie weights have been reduced from 19.32 tonnes to 19.0 tonnes. This could make it necessary to fit a new body with under-floor tipping gear.
The FS7 260 4x2 artic and drawbar chassis with air suspension also benefits from the weight changes. From 1 January it will be available for operations at 35 tonnes GCW.